Toyota’s special body color, “Precious Metal,” is a luxurious metallic color that has been gaining attention in recent years. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the models that use Precious Metal, the reasons for its popularity, and its practicality.
What are precious metals? Their characteristics and appeal
Precious Metal is a gray metallic color developed by Toyota, characterized by a special hue that is more substantial than the conventional silver. As the name “Precious” suggests, it has an appealing, luxurious finish that makes use of the metallic feel.
Characteristics of precious metals
- Grayish calm color
- Heavy metallic texture
- Deep color tones that change appearance depending on the angle of the light
- A design concept that expresses harmony with the Japanese landscape
List of vehicles using precious metals [2024 latest version]
1. Toyota Crown Series
Models used:
- Crown (sedan) Z, Z “THE LIMITED-MATTE METAL”
- Crown (Sports) “SPORT G”
- Crown Crossover RS ”THE 70th”
The Crown series also offers a bi-tone combination of precious metal and precious white pearl , allowing for a more unique look.
CROWN-Z-THE-70th
Precious Metal〈1L5〉×Precious White Pearl〈090〉［M75］
CROSSOVER RS “THE 70th” (based on the CROSSOVER RS).
Special body color settings: Precious Metal (1L5) x Precious White Pearl (090).
2. Toyota Vellfire
2024 toyota vellfire
Grades used:
- Z Premier (PHEV, hybrid)
- Z Premium (PHEV, hybrid)
- Z (PHEV, hybrid)
This color was newly added as an exclusive color for the Vellfire in the partial improvement in December 2024. It is available as a manufacturer option (55,000 yen).
Vellfire
Why precious metals are popular
1. High-end visuals
Precious metals have a deeper color tone than traditional silver, creating a profound and sophisticated impression . In particular, they have the characteristic of changing their appearance depending on how the light hits them, allowing you to enjoy different beauty depending on the angle from which you view them.
2. Harmony with Japanese aesthetic sense
This color, developed by Toyota based on the concept of “harmony with the Japanese landscape,” has a strong appeal to Japanese customers who value the aesthetic sense of Japanese culture . Its versatility makes it stand out in both urban and natural environments.
3. Improved brand image
Precious Metal is mainly available for Toyota’s flagship models and premium grades , and is positioned as a color that expresses the joy of ownership and social status.
4. Rarity and exclusivity
Since it is not available for all car models and grades, it is rare and can create a sense of exclusivity, which is also a reason for its popularity.
The practicality of precious metals
Maintainability
Stain visibility: ★★★★☆
- Because it is gray, light dirt and water stains are relatively hard to see.
- Less maintenance required compared to white or black
Scratch visibility: ★★★☆☆
- The metallic paint camouflages minor scratches with reflected light.
- However, deep scratches need to be repaired.
Resale Value
Precious metals have great resale value for the following reasons:
- Rare value as a special color
- A versatile color that is accepted by a wide range of people
- Brand value as a color exclusive to Toyota’s flagship models
Comparison of precious metals and other colors
| Features | Precious Metal〈1L5〉 | Precious White Pearl〈090〉 | Precious Black Pearl〈219〉 | Precious Silver〈1J6〉 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Maintainability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Rarity | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
Utilization of precious metals in catalyst technology
Toyota actively uses precious metals not only in the coloring of its vehicles, but also in its exhaust gas purification catalyst technology .
The role of precious metals in catalysis
Major precious metals:
- Platinum (Pt) : Promotes oxidation reactions
- Palladium (Pd) : Promotes reduction reactions
- Rhodium (Rh) : High efficiency of NOx reduction
Innovation with FLAD® Technology
In 2017, Toyota commercialized the world’s first new exhaust gas purification catalyst using FLAD® substrate :
- Achieved a 20% reduction in precious metal usage
- Achieved 20% reduction in catalyst volume
- Maintains the same exhaust gas purification performance as before
This technology allows us to achieve both improved environmental performance and cost reductions .
Summary: The value and future prospects of precious metals
Toyota’s precious metals are positioned as symbols of the brand’s value that go beyond mere body colors. By adopting them for flagship models such as the Crown series and Vellfire , they have become an important element that expresses Toyota’s technological capabilities and aesthetic sense.
Future outlook
- Expanding adoption to other premium models: Expected to be expanded to other premium models
- Color variations : Development of new colors based on precious metals
- Bi-tone setting : unique combination with other colors
Precious Metal is a color that embodies the fusion of Japanese aesthetics and cutting-edge technology , and is expected to continue to develop as an important differentiating factor for Toyota.
Vellfire
Crown
